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JMEW YORK CHICAGO PHILADELPHIA 



A TREATISE ON THE GAME 
In Its Several Varieties, with Some Historical Notes. 




By Jf. l)owara e^ay. 



ILLUSTRATED. 

PUBLISHED BY THE 

AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

241 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 
Copyrighted, 1896, by the American Sports Publishing Company. 




PREFACE. 
J. 

Bezique ranks among the most popular games of the day, 
and it is fitting, therefore, that it should have place among the 
first numbers of the Home Library. In the following pages 
I have condensed and amplified by turn, as occasion seemed to 
require, the excellent information gathered from the works of 
Cavendish, Berkeley and other eminent authorities on this 
pastime. I can but hope that this simple treatise will prove 
an "open sesame" to all novices who, interested in Bezique, 
have not as yet undertaken to study it seriously, perhaps, be- 
cause the laws and regulations as presented in more preten- 
tious volumes than this little pamphlet have seemed too numer- 
ous and too complex for a beginner. After learning the sim- 
pler methods of the game from this brochure, a study of Cav- 
endish will give the finishing touch which helps to render 
practice perfect and will enable the student to acquire the 
various shadings, if one may use that word in connection with 
the somewhat elaborate technique of the game. Every game 
added to the home circle renders one's surroundings more 
attractive and draws the various members of the household 
into closer communion, because their sympathies and tastes are 
thus working in the same groove and to the same end — unity 
and content. 

New York, April, 1890. A. Howard Cady. 



( 

Introductory — With Historical Notes* 

Although Bezique, in its present form, is quite modern, it 
may make the usual claim to antiquity that other pastimes of a 
similar character do; for it is, unquestionably, the outcome of 
several very old card games. 

Just how it attained the name it bears, is, more or less, a 
matter of conjecture, for which, of course, there are many 
theories. 

For instance, on one hand, we are told that bezique is doubt- 
less from the Spanish, besico^ meaning a little kiss," and in 
allusion to the meeting of the queen and knave, a very import- 
ant feature in the game. Again, we are informed that the title, 
as well as manner of play, if not actually derived from, are 
certainly very similar to the Italian game, Bazzica, and the 
Spanish, Baza^ a trick at cards." 

Above and beyond these, however, it bears a strong resemb- 
lance to many of the older games formerly played in France, 
where, we assume from their nomenclature, they originated. 
Indeed, Larousse in his Dictionnaire Universelle (1867), recog- 
nized its similarity to mariage, probably the oldest of the group, 
and then in turn to brusquembille, V ho7fi?ne de brou, briscan or 
brisque^ and finally, cinq-cents. He says of it: **Ce jeu est ne 
en France, mais on ignore a quelle epoque. On sait seulement 
qu 'il etait deja connu depuis longtemps dans les anciens prov- 
inces de Poitou, de Saintange et d'Angoumois, quand on V a 
introduit, il-y-a une quarantaine d'annees, dans les cafes de 
Paris, d'ou il a penetre dans les salons .... mais, pourquoi 
donne-t-on le nom de bezique au valet de carreau et a la dame 
de pique? Tous les dictionnaires, meme ceux qui s'occupent 
exclusivement d'etymologie se taisent a ce sujet? nous croyous 
que ce mot d'une forme bizarre, est une corruption du Latin 
bijugu7?iy qui designe deux objets marchant de paire, ce que 
serait une allusion au resultat produit par la reunion, dans la 



4 



BEZIQUE. 



main du meme joneur, des deux valets de carreaux et des deux 
dames de piques. . . 

According to Murray's JVew English Dictiona7y Bezique is a 

corruption of French besique, besy^ of unknown origin." 

Be that as it may, it will not be out of place here to give a 
brief description of some of the old games from which bezique 
has derived many of its most salient points, and which, there- 
fore, may be regarded as its a^icestors. 

Beginning with the very oldest, Mariage^ we know that this 
game was played with a pack of thirty-two cards, the cards 
ranking as in Bezique. Twelve cards were dealt, six to each 
player, and the thirteenth turned up for trumps. The manner 
of play, drawing from the talo^i (or stock), declaring of trumps 
or plain suit marriages, with noting of scores for the same, were 
like Bezique. Added to this was an extra score for the declar- 
ation of ace and ten, known as amotir. This counted sixty in 
trumps, and thirty in plain suits. The final trick counted ten; 
and when the best six tricks were made by one player, he could 
score twenty instead of ten. 

In other respects, Cavendish tells us, it bore a strong resemb- 
lance to the game we know to-day as sixty-six. The winning 
score being sixty-six, the aces in the tricks counting eleven 
each; tens, ten each; kings, four; queens, three; and knaves, 
two. Here, as at the game of sixty-six, the player might stop — 
i. e., finish drawing from the stock — if he thought he could 
make sixty-six. This was subject, of course, to the penalty of 
losing if he did not succeed in making the number, or again, if 
his adversary accomplished this first. 

The game next in order is called Brusque^nbille. This was 
also played by two persons and with a pack of thiny-two cards. 
The ten ranked after the ace, and only three cards were dealt 
to each player, the seventh being turned up for trumps. Here, 
too, playing and drawing from the stock were like Bezique. 
Seven of trumps could be exchanged for the turn-up card. 
Aces and tens were called brusquembilles. 

It is inferred by more than one authority that the modern 
term, brisqtte^ is derived from brisquenibille, just as at billiards 
the word carom is corrupted from the French term cai'aiiibole. 

No one writer seems able to furnish the exact etymology of 
hrusqueinbille^ which, in itself conveys so little to the reader. 

The mode of play was simple enough; the player who won a 
trick with an ace in it, received two counters; and with a ten, 
one counter. The player who made the greater number of 
points in his tricks won the game, and the scoring was similar 
to that in 7)ia7'iage^ aces counting eleven, and so on, down to 
knaves, at two. 



BEZIQUE. 



Similar to the above games, was briscan, better known a:3 
brisque, and like them, played with a pack of thirty-two cards, 
which ranked with Bezique. 

In this variation, six cards each were dealt to the players, the 
thirteenth turned up for trumps. Again here, the playing, 
drawing from the stock, with also, declarations and scores for 
marriages, were like Bezique. Beyond these, there was also a 
so-called mariage de renconU^e, that is, where the king and queen 
of the same suit were played to one trick, the player who won it 
scored a trump or plain-suit marriage, according to quality of 
the cards. 

The counting was as follows: four aces, one hundred and 
fifty; four tens, one hundred; four kings, eighty; four queens, 
sixty; and four knaves, forty. As in Brusquembille, seven of 
trumps could be exchanged for the turn-up card, which was 
often, of course, an advantage. 

The game was six hundred up. Although there were quite a 
variety of scores, we do not find that there was one for brsican 
or brisque. 

The dealer, turning up an ace, a ten or face card, could mark 
ten, while a player, having five court or picture cards dealt him 
added twenty to his score, and he could continue to count 
twenty after each picture card drawn. Carte blanche counted ten 
only. 

Unless already reckoned in previous scoring combinations, 
the ace of trumps counted thirty during the play of the hand, 
while sequences, w^hen declared, scored as follows: quint major 
in trumps, six hundred {i. <?., game); quint to a king, three 
hundred; quint to a queen, two hundred, and quint minor, one 
hundred. Quarts, two hundred; one hundred and sixty; one 
hundred and twenty; eighty and sixty, respectively. Tierces, 
one hundred and twenty; one hundred; eighty; sixty forty and 
twenty, in turn. In the plain suits, the sequences scored just 
half the above; a card, after being declared in one sequence 
could not be used in any other combination of sequences; it 
could, however, form part of marriage, or of four equal cards. 

Ten was scored by the player who took the last card of the 
stock. 

In this game the last trick did not score- and Cavendish 
suggests that it is this rule which caused the dispute in Bezique 
later as to which was the *<last trick" — that is, the last, prior 
to changing of rules, or absolute last of the hand. Incident- 
ally, it may be here noted that the authorities of the London 
and Paris clubs have settled the matter by declaring that "the 
last trick at Bezique is the absolute last." 

The player who won the last five tricks or six, scored twenty; 



6 



BEZIQUE. 



if beheld all the trumps and won all the last tricks, thirty; 
while the player who won the greater number scored ten. It 
was not essential that the last trick should be among them. 

Finally, after the play of the hand, the aces, tens, and so on, 
were reckoned as at viariage. 

Cinq-cents was very much like brisque, 5CO being the game. 
The score for cards in the tricks being as in the other; but 
only two sequences counted, namely: quint major in trumps, 
250; and quint major in any other suit, 125. Four aces, 100; 
four tens, 80; four kings, 60; four queens, 40; four knaves, 30; 
marriage in trumps, 40; and in other suits, 20. 

The exchange of the seven of trumps, 10. Brisque, which 
odd as it may seem, did not exist in the old game of brisque 
itself, was the knave of diamonds and queen of spades, 40. 

Brisque was occasionally played in what one might call a half- 
and-half M ay between briscan and cinq-cents. 

In view of these various points of resemblance, it is scarcely 
a matter of doubt that these two latter games were the immedi- 
ate progenitors of bezique. 

Brisque and bezique, it has been suggested, bear the same 
relationship to each other that the ancient games of trump and 
whist do. 

Summing up these various old games, and noting the resemb- 
lance existing among them all, it is easy to accept the assertion 
of the acade7)iie des jeux, which says quite conclusively .... 
' ' Mariage gave birth to briscan or brisque, and 7na7'iage or 
brisque was the parent of besi or besigne (in English bezique). 

In any case, as already pointed out, it is a self-evident fact 
that bezique has borrowed very freely some of the most salient 
points from these games. 

Paul Boiteau d'Ambley has stated in his work on playing 
cards, that is impossible to say of any game whatever, that it 
was invented in such a year and by such a person; for, more 
often than not, it is simply a question of adding rules and 
changing the name of an old gr.me, by some one player, which 
alterations are adopted first by friends, then by some societies, 
and behold an " inveiitionS' 

Following this view it is not difficult to understand that the 
scores of brisque, for instance, were too complicated, and the 
cards in the hands of the players and in the pack, too few for 
a good illustration of its prevailing laws; hence it was natural 
to try and modify the game by such alterations as seemed most 
pertinent thereto. 

The first step in the change, therefore, seems to have been 
the simple expedient of shuffling two packs together, then deal- 
ing eight cards, instead of seven to each player. After these 



BEZIQUE. 



alterations, Cavendish explains at some length, the simplifying 
of the score by omitting all sequences, save quint majors, and 

substituting the scores from equal declared cards for those of 
king, queen, and knave in the trick." Then the aces and tens 
in the tricks (called brisques) were made to score ten each, in 
place of the previous reckoning of eleven and ten. This made 
It easier to reckon the game. Again, instead of the amour of 
7nariage, the flirtation of the queen of spades and the knave of 
diamonds — known to us as bezique — was introduced, and as a 
natural sequence, the double pack of cards suggested double 
bezique. The scoring was by tens, and the game, 1,000 up. 

This is, in brief, the outline of what d'Ambley would call 
the invention." The game was played in France sometime 
before it found votaries in England. 

It was not until 1869 that Bezique, played with two packs 
and eight cards in hand, became popular in England, and half 
a score of years later, before the four-pack game, called Rubi- 
con ox y<2/^rt:?^^j-d' Bezique, developed in the interval, and, accepted 
in the French clubs and drawing rooms, was adopted by the 
English. 

It was in 1880 that the players of the clubs in Paris agreed 
upon a set of laws, which was published under the title of 
Regie diL Bezique Jap07tais, 

In 1887, Bezique having become established as a " clul) 
game" in London, it was considered advisable to issue an 
English code for the game. The "Portland Club" rules are, 
therefore, the accepted standard all over the English speaking 
world to-day, and it is these we shall cite in the following 
pages. 



8 



BEZIQUE. 



Ube (5ame 

And How to Play It in Its Several Varieties^ 

This variety, sometimes called ''ordinary" or "common 
bezique ; " or '* bezique proper," again, simply beziqtie, is less 
popular to-day than the more elaborate game of Rubicon or 
Japanese Bezique, but being the form originally made known 
to us, claims first place here. 

The description is as follows: 

It is usually played by two persons, and two packs of cards 
with similar backs are requisite. 

The cards rank here as in the other forms of the game, viz. : 
Ace, highest, then ten, king, queen, knave, nine, eight and 
last, seven — the lowest, the sixes, fives, fours, threes and 
twos are discarded, thus leaving a double pack of sixty-four 
cards, or two single packs of thirty-two each. 

After the shuffling the players cut for the deal. A cut must 
consist of not less than five cards, and that number at least, 
must remain in the lower packet. In cutting, as in playing, the 
cards raiik : Ace, highest, down to seven, lowest, and the player 
cutting the highest card has the choice of seats and markers. 

If, when cutting for the deal a player expose more than one 
card, he must cut again, but the cut for deal holds good, even 
if the pack be incorrect. There must also be fresh cut, if, in 
cutting to the dealer, or in reuniting the two packets after the 
same, a card be exposed or there be any confusion of the cards. 

Eight cards are dealt to each player, the usual way being to 
deal first three, then ^.wo, then three again. Sometimes this 
method is varied by tne dealing of one at a time to each. 

The seventeenth card is turned up for trumps, and if it hap- 
pens to be a seven, the dealer scores ten. Sometimes, how- 
ever, the game is played without a trump card being turned up; 
the trump, in this case, is determined by the first marriage or 
se([uence scored. When this is done no score for the seven of 
trumps is allowed. 

The non-dealer begins by playing any card from his hand. 



BEZIQTJE. 



9 



and the dealer plays to it. The two cards played constitute a 
trick, the highest card of the suit led, winning it. 

The second player, it is worthy of special note, as difTering so 
radically from other card games, is not obliged to follow suit, 
nor to win a trick. He can, if he likes, win the trick by 
trumping, even though he may hold cards of the suit led. 

The player who wins the trick leads next ; but before pro- 
ceeding with the play both must draw one card from the 
stock, the winner taking the one on the top of the pack, and 
the other the next. Thus, the number of cards in each player's 
hand is restored to eight, as at the beginning. This alternate 
playing and drawing goes on until the stock is exhausted. At 
this point the rules of play undergo a change, as each player 
then takes up any cards on the table, which belong to his hand, 
and which have been shown when making declaration. The 
winner of the last trick leads, and his adversary is now obliged 
to follow suit if possible, and win the trick if he can. If un- 
able to follow suit he must trump if he can. The aces and 
tens still count ten each, and the winner of the last trick scores 
ten. 

Brisqtte — an ace or a ten — scores ten ; and when the trick is 
two aces or two tens, or again, one of each, the player scores 
twenty. 

As a rule, brisques are scored as the trick is taken ; but 
sometimes they are not counted until the end of the hand. 
When this is the case the player winning a trick containing a 
brisque takes up the cards, lying face upwards on the table, 
and turns them face downwards in a pile near himself. At the 
close of the play of the hand (including, of course, the last 
eight tricks) efch player will add to his score the tens for his 
brisques. N. B. — If both of the players can count out, the one 
who has the highest score is the winner of the game ; if, how- 
ever, it is a tie, after both have added their brisques, the game 
is "null and void." 

In this variation of the game, declarations can only be made 
after winning a trick ; but any number may be made at the 
same time. Only one declaration can be scored after each 
trick won, however. Cards can be scored once only in the 
same kind of combination. 

For instance : A king or a queen already declared in one 
marriage cannot be declared in another ; or if declared one of 
four kings, or one of four queens, cannot be declared a second 
time as one of these. Also, the same bezique cards can be 
used only once for single bezique ; but the four bezique cards 
which have been already declared in two single beziques can 
be declared as double bezique. In brief, cards once declared 



lO 



BEZIQUE. 



can be declared again, under a given condition only, that is, 
provided the combinations in which they afterward appear are 
of a different class. 

A king or a queen, for example, declared in marriage, may, 
after that, form part of a sequence, or of four kings or of four 
queens. When the queen is the queen of spades it can, further- 
niore, be declared single or double bezique, or both, or, if it 
lias been used as a bezique card it can afterwards form a part 
of marriage, four queens or sequence. 

During the play of the hand, a player holding various com- 
Ivi nations of cards, and declaring them, has the right to count 
a certain number of points, according to value of the given 
combinations. These are as follows : 

V ^ No. III. 



A A; 

Seven of trumps. (Hearts are shown here, but any suit maybe made trumps 
according to the turn-up card.) 
. When turned up, the dealer scores 10. 

The other player, if holding seven of trumps, and exchanging it for the 
turned-up card, scores 10. 

. No. IV. 




'-'"King and Queen of any sultV not Irym^ys (called marriage), and when the 
filalyer declares the marriaga hp scores 20. 

: King and Queen of the trump suit (called royal marriage, or marriage in 
trumps/. and when the player declares marriage in trumps, scores 40. 



BEZIQUE. 



II 



No. V. 




Sequence of the five best trumps. 
Ace, Ten, King, Queen and Knave of Trumps, called sequence. 
The player declaring sequence, scores 250. 

No. VI. 




Queen of Spades and Knave of Diamonds (called Bezique), when declared, 
scores 40. 

Double Bezique — When Bezique is declared twice in one deal (called Double 
Bezique) by one player, he scores in addition to the 40 twice, if previously 
counted for the two single beziques, 500. 

N, B. — If the four cards are declared together, 500 only can be counted. 

No. VII. — Four Equal Cards. 




Foiir ^iQ^fi'-^irrespective pf suit — sgor^ 100, 



12 



BEZIQUE. 

No. VIII. 




No. IX. 




Four queens- 



^^irrespective of suit- 

No. X. 




Four knaves- 



^irrespective of mt-^^"^^^^ 



BEZIQUE. 



13 



ACES AND TENS. 
Each player, for each one he holds, adds to his score 20. 
LAST TRICKS. 
The making of the last trick scores 10. 
The making and scoring of declarations will seem rather 
complicated to the novice; but after a little practice, will be 
found to be quite easy. 

The method and rules of procedure in these are cited and 
explained with such brevity as the case permits. 

1. A declaration is made by placing the card declared face 
upwards on the table, and separate from the tricks, save in the 
case of seven of trumps, which is only shown to the adversary, 
and not put there. The declared cards still constitute part of the 
player's hand; but when not required to lead or be played to a 
trick, they must remain on the table, face upwards, uniil the 
stock is exhausted. 

2. A player is not obliged to declare unless he wishes to, 
although he may have a scoring combination in his hand. 

3. A declaration can be scored only on winning a trick, and 
prior to drawing from the stock; and the exchange of the seven 
of trumps may be made also, only on winning a trick and before 
drawing. A card cannot be declared at the same time it is led 
or played to a trick; for when played it no longer constitutes 
part of the hand. 

4. A declared card may not be declared a second time in an 
equal or inferior combination of the same class; but it can be 
in a superior combination. 

Example: A king or queen already declared in one marriage, 
cannot afterwards form part of another marriage, but the one 
or the other can later form part of a sequence. A player has 
the right to declare sequences without first declaring marriage; 
if he does so, however, he only scores 250, in place of the 40 
and 250, for he cannot afterward declare the inferior combina- 
tion of marriage. 

Also, a card declared in single bezique, cannot later be used to 
make part of another single bezique; two single beziques, how- 
ever, can be united afterwards to make a double bezique. A 
player may add an undeclared single bezique to a declared one, 
and immediately declare double bezique without first declaring 
the second single bezique. If he does this, he can only score 
40 and 500, instead of 40 twice (80) and 500; for he cannot 
afterwards declare the single bezique. 

Again, when a player declares double bezique at once, and 
without first declaring either of the single beziques, he only 
pcgreg 500, a^? neither pf the single beziques can afterwards be 
declared, 



BKZiQUE. 



A card cannot be declared a second time in an equal combin- 
ation of the same class, therefore a card declared in four equal 
cards cannot later form part of another set of four. A declared 
card can be declared again, though, if the combination in which 
it stands, is of a different class. 

For instance: A king declared in marriage or sequence can- 
not be declared in another marriage; but can, afterwards, form 
part of four kings, or vice versa. Again, if the queen is the 
queen of spades it can be declared in single and double bezique 
also, or even both; and, too, having been used as a bezique 
card, it may form afterwards part of marriage, sequence, or 
four queens. 

Sometimes, in consequence of the power of declaring the 
same card more than once, it will happen that more than one 
declaration is made to a trick. 

Example: A player will have declared four kings, including 
a king of spades, and this latter remains unplayed on the table. 
He has bezique in hand, and on winning the trick declares and 
secures it. He has also, now, plain suit marriage in spades on 
the table; but this he cannot score at the same time, as only one 
declaration can be scored to one trick; he can, however, score 
it on winning another trick. A player having a declaration to 
score should repeat after every trick what he has to score. As 
in the case above, for instance, the player who declares bezique, 
would say ''Forty, and twenty to score," for the plain suit 
marriage. On winning another trick, but making no fresh 
declaration, he says, score twenty." 

Another example: A player having declared four kings, wins 
a trick with one of them, and declares four queens, three of 
the queens match the kings on the table as to suit, while one of 
the kings is the king of trumps. The player says then: « 'Sixty 
and forty, and twenty, and twenty to score," which, classified, 
means: Sixty for queens, forty and twenty and twenty to score 
for marriages. On winning another trick he says: "Score 
forty, and twenty, and twenty to score." 

A player having a declaration to score, can, when he wins a 
trick, make and score a fresh declaration, leaving unscored, 
declaration still to score until another trick is won. 

When a player having a declaration to score, plays a card of 
It, before scoring it, he loses the score. For instance: he has 
marriage in trumps to score, and on winning a trick adds to 
the marriage, ace, ten, and knave of trumps, thereby losing 
the score for the marriage. Again, if the player has single 
bezique to score, and on winning a trick adds the other bezique 
cards, he loses the single bezique score. 

As long as a card remains in stock, the winner of a trick may 



BEZIQUE. 



15 



declare and score, according to the preceding direction and rules. 
The winner of the previous trick draws the last card in the 
stock, and the turn-up card — or seven exchanged for it — is 
drawn by the loser of the same. With the drawing of these last 
two cards all declarations cease, and any declarations to score 
are lost. 

The stock being now exhausted, each player takes up such 
cards on the table as belong to his hand, and which, in the 
course of the game, have been shown in declaring, and the 
play of the final eight tricks begins, the winner of the preceding 
trick leading. The second player must follow suit, if he can, 
and win the trick, if possible. If he cannot follow suit, but 
has a trump, he must win the trick by trumping. 

The winner of the trick leads to the following, and so on 
to the end. The aces and tens still count ten each, and the win- 
ner of these last eight tricks scores ten. 

The game is 1,000 up, the players dealing alternately. 

If one player scores 1,000, prior to his opponent obtaining 
500, the game counts double. 

Kpai'tie is the best of three games out of five, a double reck- 
oning as two games. 

The points of difference between the Ordinary and Rubicon 
games of Bezique may be briefly summed up as follows: 

I. In the latter, four packs of cards are used instead of two, 
and nine cards, instead of eight, dealt to each player. 

II. There is no turn-up card for trumps, the first marriage 
in sequence scored determining the trump suit. 

III. Caj'te blanche, i.e., a. hand without a single court card, 
scores 50 to the holder, and is declared immediately, and before 
the player has drawn a card. 

IV. If a declared combination is broken up by the playing 
of any of the cards declared, but is reformed by substituting 
cards of the same class, the combination maybe again declared. 

V. There is no score for the seven of trumps, and the game 
is complete in one hand. 

As already noted, the amount of the scores and method of 
computing the game are different. (See Rubicon Bezique 
Tables. ) 

In everything else the rules of Rubicon Bezique govern the 
simpler variation of the game. 

THREE-HANDED BEZIQUE. 

In this variation three packs of cards are used, and three 
persons play all against one another. 

Eight cards are dealt to each, and the player on the left of 
the dealer leads off. 



i6 



BEZIQUE. 



The game proceeds exactly in the same manner as \^ hen 
played by two persons. 

Triple bezique scores 1,500, and the game is generally 2,000 
up. 

FOUR-HANDED BEZIQUE. 

There are two ways of playing this, either two againt two, 
that is, with partners, or all against all. 

Four packs of cards are used and eight cards are dealt to 
each player. 

Triple bezique counts 1,500. Double bezique can be declared 
twice with different cards, and counts 500 each time. 

The game is generally 2,000. When two partners are play- 
ing together, declarations may be made by any one of the play- 
ers, when he or his partner wins a trick. 

A player may also make up combinations with his own cards, 
and those of his partner, which have been declared, but are 
still on the table. For instance, if both partners declare 
bezique, either of them may, when he wins a trick, declare 
double bezique. 

As a rule the players generally divide in playing the last 
eight tricks, each partner playing with one of his opponents. 

RUBICON OR JAPANESE BEZIQUE. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME. 

This game is played by two persons and four packs of cards, 
and backs of the same pattern are necessary. The packs should 
be well shuffled together and made to form one pack. The 
sixes, fives, fours, threes and twos are thrown out, as in the 
ordinary game, thus reducing the packs, singly, to thirty-two 
cards each; together, to one hundred and twenty-eight. 

The players begin by cutting for the deal, and the one who 
cuts the higher card has the choice of the deal. 

The cards rank here, as in the preceding varieties of the 
game, both in cutting and playing, viz.: Ace (highest); ten, 
king, queen, knave, nine, eight, seven (lowest). 

The cards are cut to the dealer, who deals nine cards to his 
adversary and nine to himself, either by one each at a time or 
three at a time. 

The remainder of the pack, known as the stock or talon, is 
placed face downwards in .one packet and to the left of the 
dealer. It should be loose rather than compact, so that the 
players can take the cards therefrom easily. 

No cards are turned up, the first marriage or sequence de- 
termining the trump suit. 



BEZIQUE. 



17 



After the cards have been dealt each player should look over 
his hand, and if he discovers that it has neither king, queen 
nor knave, he may declare carte blanche before playing a card. 
He must show his carte blanche by dealing out the cards, one 
by one, on the table. This may be done quickly, so that the 
opponent will have little time to study the exact nature of the 
hand. 

Carte blanche scores fifty. As shown by the preceding di- 
rections, it scores before playing, and independent of winning 
a trick. The holder of the carte blanche may continue to score 
it again and again after each trick until he draws a "picture 
card" ; but he must show each card in turn as he draws it. 

Following the carte blanche — provided either of the players 
have it — the non-dealer leads a card and the dealer plays a card 
in return. The two cards played thus constitute a trick. 

When both players play cards of the same suit, the higher of 
the two cards wins the trick. If tie cards of the same suit are 
played the one which led wins the trick. If cards of different 
suits are played the leader wins. After trumps have been 
made, however, a trump will win any plain suit card. 

As it is not obligatory with the second player to follow suit, 
or even win the trick, he will get rid of any useless card he 
holds and permit his opponent to win the trick, unless he has 
a declaration to make, or the elder hand leads an ace or a ten, 
in which case the dealer will take the trick, if he has a small 
trump or an ace of the same suit as the ten led. 

A card of course is taken by a higher card of the same suit, 
or by playing a trump of any value whatever. 

If the trick is not taken by the second player it belongs to 
the first, who leaves it face upwards on the table. When a 
trick has an ace or ten in it the winner takes it up, and also all 
the cards already played and places them by him face down- 
wards. The winner of the trick may also, if he have the cards 
in hand, make a declaration and score for it. 

The player winning the trick draws the top card of the stock, 
the other player the next, and thus the cards in hand are 
restored to the original number of nine. The winner of the 
trick then leads to the next. 

The game goes on thus, the cards drawn from the stock 
after each trick until there are none left, the winner of the last 
trick taking up the last card, and the other player, the trump. 
At this point the method of play changes, as already described 
in preceding variation — the winner of the last of the nine tricks 
scores fifty. 

The scores of Rubicon Bezique differ somewhat from those 
of the Ordinary Bezique, and will be given in full here — even 



i3 



BEZIQUE. 



at the risk of repetition — as thus the student can learn this 
variation quite independent of any other, and without the in- 
evitable confusion which must naturally result from referring 
to one game for the illustrations of another. 

During the play of one hand, a player holding certain combi- 
nations of cards, and declaring the same, has the right to score 
a given number of points. 

The table of the scores may be divided into three classes, 
as follows : 

Class I. — Marriage and Sequence. 



No. XI. 




King and Queen of the trump suit. 
Called marriag:e in trumps, scores 40. 



No. XII. 




King and Queen of Hearts (or any suit not trumps). 
Marriage in plain suit scores 20. 



BEZTQUE. 

No. XIII. 



19 




Sequence in trumps scores 250 in addition to the 40 (if already scored) for 
the royal marriage. N. B. — If, however, the sequence is declared prior to 
declaration of the royal marriage, the 40 is forfeited. 



No. XIV. 




Single Bezique scores 40. 



20 



BEZIQUE. 



Double Bezique — When bezique is declared twice in one deal by the same 
player it is called double bezique, and he scores 500 in addition to the 40 
twice (if already scored) for the two single beziques. 

Triple Bezique scores 1,500. Quadruple Bezique scores 4,500. 

To score the double, triple or quadruple it is essential that 
the four, six or eight cards should be on the table at the one 
time. 

Class III. — Four Equal Cards. 
No. XVI. 




BEZIQUE. 



21 



No. XIX. 




Preceding these is: Carte Blanche (a hand without a single court or 
picture card) scores 50. 

(As previously stated carte blanche is scored at the beginning 
of the game and prior to the drawing of a card by the player. 
Carte blanche cannot be scored after the player has once had 
a court or picture card.) 

In addition to these scores the brisques, which are the aces 
and tens contained in the tricks of each player, score lo each, 
under conditions herewith given. They are counted only when 
the tricks of each player are equal, or nearly so, as thus the 
addition of the brisques are necessary to determine who is the 
winner. 

Example: If one player scores I,I20 and the other i,i6o,. 
but the first has twenty brisques and the latter twelve only, the 
score of the first player will be 1,320 and that of the second 
1,280, which, of course, makes the former the winner. 

Save in cases similar to the one cited, brisques are not taken 
into account unless the loser can make his score up to 1,000 by 
counting them in, in which event the winner will also add his 
brisques. 

If the loser's score, including his brisques, is less than 1,000, 
he is rubiconed, and he does not add them (the brisques) to his. 
score. His score then, exclusive of the brisques, is added tO' 
that of the winning player, who may also add 1,000 for the 
game and 300 for the brisques (the odd 20 not being reckoned 
— i. e., 320 is the total value of the brisques). 

For instance : The winner scores 1,520 and the loser 640. 
The latter is rubiconed. The fractions of a hundred are not 
computed in the final summing up ; therefore the winner counts 
1,500 plus 600 equals 2,100, plus 30Q for the beziques and 100 
for the game. Total, 3,4^. 

When the difference between the sco^esj is less thau. a hundred 



22 



BEZIQUE. 



— the loser is always considered to have more than that number, 
although in reality it may be less — the player who Avins may 
add loo to the score of 500 for the game. 

As seen from the description of this system of scoring, as 
presented by Cavendish, Berkeley and others, it is not always 
essential to play the last nine tricks. For example : If, when 
the last cards are drawn from the stock, the score amounts re- 
spectively to 1,1 20 and 630, there will be no need of counting 
the brisques, for the total score of the winning player will not 
be affected by the 50 for the last trick being counted to his 
opponent or himself. 

HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR PLAY. 

A few suggestions regarding the method of play may be of 
service to the novice, although practice is the best guide, as 
after the initial games, the student will readily see what is to 
be avoided and what attempted. 

The player must bear in mind that tricks are of no value 
unless he has cards to declare, or for the sake of brisques they 
contain. 

In taking up his hand the player should first look for carte 
hlanche^ then lead the lowest card in his hand, a seven instead 
of an eight, for instance. He should throw away his worthless 
cards, unless he has a sound reason for winning a trick. 

It is not possible to lay down general rules for discarding, as 
this depends upon the state of the player's hand at the time, 
and also upon what cards have already been played. 

Unless trumps are made at once it will be best to get rid of 
all the small cards prior to the declaration of trump suit. The 
player can then decide which suit or suits he will go for and 
discard from the others ; or if he has duplicate cards he can 
temporize by playing one of them. As to choosing between 
suits of equal value, it will be best to discard from what are 
regarded as ' ' unfashionable suits ' ' — hearts or clubs. As a rule 
the player should play his declared cards and thus avoid show- 
ing liis opponent more than is actually necessary of the condi- 
tion of his hand ; beyond this he will be able in this way to re- 
form his combination. 

In the beginning the player should be very careful about 
making trumps ; in fact only a very strong suit will justify his 
doing so, and he \\\\\ be wise to note what cards his opponent 
is discarding, as this will enable him to divine what suit he is 
keeping back. Indeed, throughout the game he should watch 
carefully his opponent's cards, thereby getting an insight into 
his hand, Ijut at llie same time conceal his hand as far as 



BEZIQUE. 



23 



possible. This is especially necessary if the whereabouts of 
three of any of the sequence or beziqiie cards are known and 
he holds the fourth. 

If by this manoeuvre he conveys the impression that tlie 
fourth is not yet drawn the probabilities are that his adversary 
will sacrifice other combinations in the hope of completing his 
bezique or double sequence. 

The player should not score brisquc::; but remember, rather, 
that if he does not win, his opponent will; hence, it will make 
a difference of twenty to the score. He should not lead a ten 
if he can avoid doing so, but keep it instead to win tricks with. 

As the game nearsthe end, if the player sees from the state 
of his score that he cannot save the rubicon, he must score as 
little as possible, as his score will be added to his opponent's. 

Often the play of the last nine tricks is of greatest import- 
ance, for to play them advantageously, the player must bear in 
mind what trump and bezique cards are in. It is impossible, 
in view of the rapidity of the play, to remember all tlie small 
cards ; but a fairly competent player will take note of the im- 
portant cards which are out. As the opponent must beat the 
card led, if possible, the other player, in his turn, should, in 
leading, play a high card of a plain suit to thus force a trump. 
If he is reduced to trumps, then he must lead his lowest trump. 
Naturally, if he has counted trumps, and knows that a brisque 
must fall to the lead of an ace — and that the scores are close — 
he ^^ ill act accordingly. It is not possible to make a rule for 
this, as the actual result depends upon how well the player 
remembers what cards are out. 

The player who wins the last trick is obliged to score it; 
hence, when one player is under the rubicon, it may be the 
game of the other to play to lose the last trick. 

Finally, the cards should be well shuffled before beginning a 
second game, as often, the last nine cards in the hand of each 
player are mainly of trumps and bezique cards. 

LAWS OF RUBICON BEZIQUE. 

The laws are based upon and condensed from the " Laws of 
Rubicon Bezique," by Cavendish, and adopted by the Portland 
Club. 

SHUFFLING. 

I. This game is played with four packs of cards, of thirty- 
two each, and shuffled together. 

II. Both players have a right to shuffle the cards, it being the 
prerogative of the dealer to shuffle last, however. 



24 



BEZIQUE. 



CUTTING. 

III. The cut must consist of five cards at least, five or more 
remaining in the lower packet. 

IV. The player cutting the higher card has choice of deal, 
seats and markers throughout the play. A player who plays 
a la chouette has the choice without cutting. 

V. If, in cutting for the deal, more than one card is exposed, 
the player must cut again. 

VI. The incorrectness of a pack does not affect the validity 
of the cut. 

DEALING. 

VII. The cards are dealt either one at a time, the top card 
being given to the non-dealer, the next to himself (the dealer), 
or the three top cards to opponent and then three to himself, 
and so on until each player has received his quota of nine 
cards. The cards remaining, called talo7i or stock, are placed 
face downward in one packet in the centre of the table to the 
dealer's left. 

VIII. When there is a misdeal it can be rectified by permis- 
sion of the opponent if discovered before the deal is completed. 
The deal is completed upon the turning up of the trump card. 

IX. If, upon the completion of the deal, but prior to the first 
trick being played to, it is discovered that one or the other of 
the players has more cards than belong to him, there must be 
a new deal; if, however, it is found that one or the other of 
the players has too few cards, his hand may be completed from 
the siock by mutual consent, or otherwise there shall be a new 
deal. 

X. If the dealer expose any of his own cards, the deal can 
stand, but if he expose a card belonging to his adversary or to 
the stock the non-dealer may require a fresh deal. 

XI. If a player plays with more cards than he should have 
in his hand he is rubiconed, but the adversary cannot add more 
than 900 to his score, or 300 for brisque and 1,000 for the 
game. When both of the players play with too many cards 
the game will be considered null and void. 

XII. If one or both players play with too few cards, either 
one or the other — whoever made the mistake — shall keep that 
number throughout the hand and score after the usual fashion. 
When only one of the players does this the other wiil neces- 
sarily win the last trick. 

XIII. When one player plays with too many and the other 
v/ith too few cards, the deal holds good, the former being 
rubiconed and the latter cannot score the last trick. 



BEZIQUE. 



25 



XIV. A card led in turn shall not be taken up after it has 
been played to; if, however, more than one card be played at 
the same time, all but one may be taken up. A card led out 
of turn shall be taken up unless it is covered, in which case 
the trick shall hold good. 

XV. Either of the players may count the stock at any time, 
and when he finds that twelve cards or less remain therein, 
either of the players may count the brisques in his own tricks. 

DRAWING. 

XVI. If, in drawing, either player sees cards to which he 
has no right, he must show them to his opponent, and when 
the winner of a trick sees the second card the loser may see 
the top card. If the loser draw first and the winner, without 
observing the mistake, draws second, both must retain the 
cards dra\^'n. 

XVII. If the loser of the trick, when it is his turn to draw, 
see two cards of the stock, the player who has won may choose 
either of the cards after the next trick, whether he win it or 
not. Thus, if either player see any number of cards, his adver- 
sary shall always choose which one he prefers, after each trick, 
as long as any card seen by the other is undrawn. When there 
is an odd number in the stock the last card is not drawn. 

DECLARING. 

XVIII. Declared cards must be placed face upwards on the 
table always, and separate from the tricks, and — save in the 
case of ca7'fe blanche — must stay there until played, or the stock 
be exhausted. Bezique combinations can be declared separ- 
ately, and later, be united to form a superior combination. 

SCORING. 

XIX. When a player scores for a combination to which he 
has no right, and his opponent does not discover the error until 
a card has been played to the subsequent trick, the error can- 
not be corrected. When a score is marked wrong it can be 
rectified at any time during the progress of the game. 

THE LAST NINE TRICKS. 

XX. If a player, while the last nine tricks are being jDlayed, 
fails to follow suit or win the trick, though he could have done 
so, immediately the mistake is discovered, the tricks must be 
played over again, beginning from the one in which the error 
occurred. 



26 



BEZIQUE. 



BYSTANDERS. 

XXI. When a bystander, inadvertantly or otherwise, calls 
attention to any error or oversight, and thereby affects the 
score, he can be called upon to pay all stakes and bets of the 
player whose interest he has prejudicially influenced. 

THE LAWS OF BEZIQUE. 

Save in exceptions given below, the laws of Rubicon Bezique 
govern this game too. The exceptions are : 

1. If a player plays with more cards than he should have in 
his hand, he cannot rectify the error, nor can he score anything 
during that hand. 

2. When both of the players play w^ith too many cards, they 
must both continue to play without drawing until the mistake 
is put right. 

3. When one player plays with too many, and the other 
with too few cards, the deal holds good ; the first cannot score 
at all, and the latter may not count the last trick. 

4. For "during the progress of the game," put during tlie 
deal. 

POLISH BEZIQUE OR FILDINSKI. 

This variation is very similar to the ordinary game, hence is 
not difficult to acquire. The method of scoring is quite 
different, however, and often for this reason proves a pleasing 
change. 

The game is played by two or four people. In the first, two 
packs of cards are used and eight cards dealt to each player, 
the seventeenth card being turned up for trumps. 

The same methods are pursued here as in ordinary Bezique. 

The principal difference between the games lies in the fact 
that, whereas in Bezique proper, cards played to a trick are no 
longer of any value, in the Polish variety the winner of the 
trick takes all the scoring cards it contains, that is, all court 
cards and aces, and the ten of trumps, and aranges them face 
upwards before him, and scores for any combinations they may 
make together. 

The cards of no value are cast aside; but the winner of each 
trick scores the brisques it may contain. Brisques can be scored 
after every trick and not left to the end of the hand. 

The cards gained by a player in tricks and placed systemat- 
ically before him, do not belong to his hand, of course, and 
cannot be played; they can only be declared in scoring com- 
binations; therefore, whether declared or not, remain on the 
table until the end of the hand. 



BEZIQUE. 



27 



The scoring combinations are the same as in ordinary bezique. 

Brisques contained in tricks count ten each, and the winner 
of the trick before the last cards are drawn also counts ten. 

The bezique cards are queen of spades and l^nave of dia- 
monds; but when spades or diamonds are trumps it is generally 
considered better to make the queen of hearts and knave of 
clubs for bezique. 

As in the other games, declarations can only be made on 
winning a trick and prior to drawing, but in Polish Beziqu,e a 
declaration cannot be made unless one of the cards, at least, 
which were just gained form part of the combination. 

When a player draws a card he forthwith loses the score for 
all the declarations he may have failed to score. 

Declarations may be made and scored in any number and at 
the same time, and^ in any order whatever; but no card is 
allowed to be declared more than once in the same combina- 
tion. All cards declared remain on the table till the end of the 
hand, even though they may not form part of any more com- 
binations, and both of the players have a right to see all the 
declared cards. 

The seven of trumps is declared or exchanged at the same 
time other cards are; i.e., when it is in the trick after which 
the declaration is made. 

It can be declared by the player taking the trick, whether he 
takes it with a seven or takes the seven led by his opponent 
with a higher card. When the seven is exchanged for the 
turned-up card, the latter is put with the declared cards which 
belong to the player. If, however, it is not exchanged, but 
simply declared, the seven is put aside M^ith the cards of no 
value. 

In the last eight t?'ieks, Polish Bezique is like the ordinary 
game, as regards following suit, leading the trick when able, 
and so on. It differs in this: The declarations can continue to 
be made just as before, until the end of the hand. 

When the seven of trumps has been exchanged, the player 
drawing it at the end may not declare it again during the last 
eight tricks. 

Generally the game is 2,000 up, as the scoring combinations 
are so much easier to attain than in the ordinary game. 

In other things the rules of the ordinary game govern this. 

A variety of the game, preferred by some players to the one 
described above, is played by two persons with three packs of 
bezique cards instead of two. 

The rules and method of play are like those with two packs, 
but in consequence of the extra number of cards employed in 
this the game is 2,500 or 3,000 up, and triple bezique scores 



28 



BEZIQUE. 



150, The scores of sequences, double and triple bezique can 
be lowered by agreement to 150, 300 and 1,000 respectively. 

FOUR-HANDED POLISH BEZIQUE. 

This can be played, as in the ordinary game, two against 
two or all against all. The former is probably the better plan. 
Four or even five packs of bezique cards are used, and the game 
is usually 2,000 up or 3,000 up respectively. 

The scoring combinations are like those of the two-handed 
game ; and, in addition, triple bezique counts 1,500 and quad- 
ruple bezique wins the game itself. 

A double, triple or quadruple bezique can be declared by 
either partner, after the winning of the card or cards making 
up with his open cards a single or double bezique, and then — 
not prior to this — he can add the single or double bezique 
among his partner's open cards. 

Example : Y and Z are partners ; Y wins a queen of spades, 
and can add it to an open knave of diamonds before him and 
declare bezique; then, if Z has an open single or double 
bezique, YandZ can score a double or triple bezique as the case 
may be. 

If, however, Z has three open queens of spades and Y wins a 
trick -which contains one or more knaves of diamonds, Y and Z 
cannot join together to score single, double or triple bezique. 

In short, save in the case of double, triple or quadruple 
bezique, each partner can score a combination only of cards 
won by himself. 

As a rule, in playing the last eight cards, the players divide, 
the one who won the last trick playing against the opponent to 
his left, and his partner against the other one. Each player 
must score his own brisques and other scoring combinations 
separately, save, as already stated, in double, triple or quad- 
ruple bezique. At the end of the game the partners add their 
respective scores. 

When there is a disagreement as to which side won the game 
it must be settled by examining which score accrued the first. 
For instance, if one player makes the game by scoring after the 
third trick, and his partner's opponent after winning the fourth, 
the former of course wins the game. 

When l3oth sides ''reach game," as it is called, by the win- 
ning of the third trick, the side scoring most points over and 
above game would win. 

Still another way of playing tliis game is for the cards won 
by either of the partners to remain in front of them ; and then, 
if either of them should v. in a trick which contained a scoring 



BEZIQUE. 



29 



combination, or a card or cards which, with an open card or 
cards, would also make a combination, he could count it, 
whether the open card employed for the purpose had been 
previously gained by himself or his partner. 

In this variety the partners do not as a rule divide in the play 
of the last eight cards, but continue to play throughout the 
game as in the earlier stages. 

A FEW HINTS. 

I. It must be borne in mind that the tricks are valuable for 
the cards contained therein and not alone for brisques or dec- 
larations. The player, however, should not be too anxious to 
take tricks, as thus he puts himself under a great disadvantage 
in having to lead. 

II. The player should be careful, too, not to lead small cards 
of the bezique suits, as thus he gives his opponent the chance 
of making a bezique knave or queen. He should lead from the 
suit of no value, that is, one which is neither the trump suit 
nor one of the bezique cards. 

III. If possible the player must keep his aces of the bezique 
suits for use in the last eight tricks, unless double bezique will 
have been already declared, which is not very probable ; and 
he must always retain as many sequence cards as possible, 
unless he has no chance of making a sequence, in which event 
he must do his best to spoil his opponent's chance of doing so. 

IV. This four-handed game is governed by the same general 
principles, but the player must bear in mind that he is playing 
for his partner as well as for himself, and must therefore throw 
him cards that will be of advantage to him whene^fer he can. 
In this variety the fourth player has a great advantage. Tricks 
are more valuable here than in the two-handed game, contain- 
ing four cards as they do, this fact often compensating for a 
disadvantageous lead. 

LAWS FOR POLISH BEZIQUE. 

Here also the laws of Rubicon Bezique apply, with the fol- 
lowing exceptions : 

XI. I. If a player play with more cards than he should have 
in his hand he forfeits 200 points and must give the extra cards 
to his adversary, who can add them to his declared cards. 2. 
When both of the players play with too many cards they shall 
continue to play without drawing until the error is rectified. 

XIII. When one player plays with too many and the other 
with too few cards, the deal holds good ; the former forfeits 200 
points and the latter cannot score the last trick. 



30 



BEZIQUE. 



XIX (extra). Any score which is unclaimed prior to the lead- 
ing of the next card is forfeited. When a player scores too 
many points for any combination he shall be subject to have 
the overscore deducted from his score and added to his adver- 
sary's. After the latter lias played another score the error must 
go uncorrected. When, however, a player scores too few points 
for any combination he can rectify the error as long as he has 
no further scoring coming. 

XX. If a player, while the last eight tricks are being played, 
fails to follow suit or win the trick, though he could have done 
so, he shall forfeit all scores made in the last eight tricks, and 
give all the cards to his opponent. 

CHOUETTE BEZIQUE. 

W^hen a player is willing to take all the stakes, he may de- 
clare to play a la chouette, which, in euchre would be called a 
" lone hand." He has choice of the deal. The other players 
play in consultation against him. 

If the chouette wins, then one of his adversaries takes the 
loser's place, and thus it continues with the other adversaries 
in rotation. When the chouette loses, he simply goes on play- 
ing against the same adversaries as at the beginning. 

If three players (X, Y and Z) wisht o join in the game, the 
one who cuts highest (X) plays one game against Y and Z ; the 
player cutting the lowest (Z) sits out and advises Y. The 
single player, of course, has choice of deal. 

If X wins, he goes on playing against the other two, Z simply 
taking Y's place. When X loses a game, then Z takes his 
place, and thus the game continues in natural rotation of 
players. 

If four take part in this variety, say J, K, Y and'Z, two of 
them, J and Y, for instance, play against each other, the other 
two advising their respective partners. The same rule for 
changing about of players maintains here as in the other variety 
of chouette. 

In these foregoing pages are presented the many and varied 
games of Bezique, from among which, the student will doubt- 
less make a choice, and then proceed to learn the one which 
appeals especially to him most. After mastering one of the 
varieties the others will be found easy; thus, it is to be hoped, 
all will become familiar to him in time, for it is a game in 
each and every one of the varieties of which there is a distinct 
and unending charm. 



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Nicely and smoothly finished and handsomely nickel-plated 
and polished. 

Weight, lib., 21bs., -31bs.,^ 41bs., 51bs., 
Per pair, 25C. 50C. 65C. 85C. $ I .OO 

Iron Dumb Bells. 




Our iron bells are made on approved models, nicely bal- 
anced and finished in japan. 

Sizes, 2 to 40 lbs., . . Per lb., 5c. 

ASH BAR BELLS. 

Made of selected material, highly polished. 
No. I. 4K feet long, . . Per doz., $5.00 

No. 2. o feet long, ..." 6.00 

SCHOOL WANDS. 

Made of straight grain maple and nicely finished. 
No. 3. feet long, %-inch diameter, Per doz., $ | ,25 

I 1 CALISTHENIC WANDS. 

N .4. 4M feet long, 1 inch diameter. Per doz., $ | .50 
Our complete Illustrated Catalogue mailed free to any address. 

A. Q. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHUADELPHIA. 



Bicycle Sundries = = =• 




carry a 
COMPLETC 
LINE of BICYCLE 
SUNDRIES and 
shall be pleased 
to send Catalogue 
upon application. 



Lamps 
Bells 
Enamel 
Tire Cement 
Rubber Cement 
*'3in("Comoound 
*'R R" Comoound 
Illuminating Oil 
Lubricating on 
Repair Kits 
Cvclometers 
Bicycle Watches 
Cork Crips 
Oil Cans 
Trouser Cuards 
Wrenches 
Chains 

Bundle Carriers 
Pumps 
Saddles 
Bicycle Stands 
Toe Clips 
Tool Bags 
Foot Brakes 
Whistles 
Screw Drivers 




In fact, everything which 
is of use to Bicyclists, 



A. Q. SPALDING & BROS. 

N£W YORK, PHILADELPHIA. CHICAGO. 



^ ^ ^ 



^ ^ ^ ^ 



^ * ^ ^ 



SPALDING'S INDIAN CLUBS. * 

Our Trade Mark Indian Clubs are of selected material ^ 
and perfect in shape. They are finely polished, with 
ebonite centre band and gilt stripe top and bottom. ^ 
Each pair wrapped in paper bag. ^ 

TRADE HARK CLUBS. * 

Weight. Per Pair. 

1=2 pound, . $ .40 ^ 

3=4 . .45 ^ 

1 . .50 ^ 

1 1-2 . .60 ^ 

2 . .70 ^ 
2 1=2 . .75 ^ 

3 . .80 ^ 

4 . 1.00 ^ 

5 . 1.25 ^ 

WOOD DUriB BELLS. ^ 

Our Trade Mark Bells are made of selected material, ^ 
neatly decorated, well finished and of perfect balance. ^ 

Weight. Per Pair. ^ 

1=4 pound, . $ .35 . 
1=2 
3=4 
1 

1 1=2 
2 
3 
4 





.35 
.45 
.50 
.60 
.65 
.85 
1.00 

ts, Uniforms and Gym- 



Our complete Catalogue for all Athletic Spo 

jiasium Goods mailed free to any address. 

A, Q. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 



)^ SPALDING'S ^ 

^ ...Adjustable Trapeze ^ 



AND- 



Swinging Rings. ^ 




Adjustable Trapeze. Adjustable Swinging Rings. 

Furnished complete, with bar and everything necessary for sus- 
pending. The supports are made of extra strong webbing. Perfectly 
safe under all conditions, and with the adjustable buckle may be adapted 
to any ceiling from 16 feet down. 

No. 201. Trapeze, . . . Complete, $3.0O 
No. 301 , Swinging Rings, . . " 3.00 

Our Complete Catalogue for all Athletic Sports, Uniforms and 
Gymnasium Apparatus for Home Use Mailed 
Free to any Address. 

& BROS., 

PHILADELPHU, 



NEW YORK, 



A. G. SPALDING 

CHICAGO. 



DUPLICATE WHIST, 



This method is purely a game of skill, and 
KALAMAZOO METHOD, most perfect system yet introduced. 

The maxims of the standard game are not 
interfered with in any way, and under its workings no pica of poor hands 
as a cause of defeat can be made, and the score is a proof of superior 
skill of the victors. 




DUPLICATE WHIST TRAYS. 

Set No. 8.. Containing 8 Trays, best cloth covered board, gold embossed, 
"6 celluloid poker chips and 25 score cards, .... $3.00 
Set No. 8 A. Same as Set No. 8, with 8 packs of enameled cards, 4.00 
Set No. I 2« 12 Trays, 26 celluloid chips and 25 score cards, . 4.C0 
Set No. f 2 A. Same as Set No. 12, with 12 packs of enameled cards, 5.50 
Set No. IQ, 16 trays, 26 celluloid poker chips and 25 poker chips, 5.00 
Set No. I 6 A. Same as Set No. 16, with 16 packs of enameled cards, 7.00 
Set No. 20« 20 Trays, 26 celluloid poker chips and 50 score cards, CaCO 
Set No. 20A» Same as Set No. 20, with 24 packs of enameled cards, 8.50 
Set No. 24. 24 Trays, 26 celluloid poker chips and 50 score cards, 7.00 
Set No. 24 A. Same as Set No. 24, with 24 packs of enameled cards, f O.OO 
Book of Rules and Instruction sent with each set. 

Score cards, bristol board, Per 100, ( ,50 

Score books and rules, Per dozen, ,75 

A. G, Spalding & Bros., New York, p,^,;',^-,^"?,',,. 




Exhibition... 



lubs. H 



Handsomely finished in ebonite and made 
for exhibition and stage purposes. The 
clubs are hollow, witk a kirge body, and 
although extremely light, represent a c^ub 
weighing three pounds or more. 

No. A. Ebonite finish, 

Per Pair, $3.50 
No. AA. With German Sil- 
ver bands. . . Per Pair, $5cOO 



i 
I 



Spalding's Class Clubs. 



This Club is made of extremely light wood and 
has the length of a regular one pound with the 
body of a two pound club. It is after the design of 
Professor Anderson and specially adapted for calis- 
thenic work. 

Per Pair, 60c. 



....Indian Club Hanger.... 

Made of iron, japanned, and nicely 
finished. Will screw in wood partition or 
plastered wall and hold any size club or 
dumb bell. 

Per Pair, 20c. 

Our Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports, Uniforms and 
Gymnasium Goods, Mailed Free to Any Address. 





A. Q. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 



THE SPALDINQ 



Bowling 
Alleys 



In writing for esti- 
mates always state 
the character of the 
foundation, w^hether 
on the ground floor 
or across joists. In 
building alleys on a 
concrete floor, the 
" sleepers " should 
be imbedded in the 
concrete and placed 
20 inches apart from 
centre to centre. The 
size of sleepers should 
be 3 inches by 8 
inches, with the first 
sleeper 4 feet from 
the pit end of the 
alley. 

H 9 Prices on n 

I application 



A. G. SPALDING & BPOS. 



NEW YORK :: CHICAGO :: PHILADELPHIA 



Spalding's Home Gymnasium. 

Combining Swinging Rings, Trapeze, Stirrups and Swing. 




The apparatus is supported by two strong screwhooks in the celling, 
about 18 inches apart and screwed 5 inches into the joist. It can also be 
used out of doors, by erecting a framework, such as is used for swings. The 
straps are of extra strong webbing, and adjustable to any desired height. 
The rings are of the patent bent wood, about 6 inches in diameter. The 
apparatus can be put up in any room, and removed in a moment, leaving only 
the two small small ey^s in the ceiling visible. A space 6 or 8 feet wide is 
ample for any of the exercises. The various combinations can be quickly and 
easily made. We furnish, in addition, a board, adjustable to the stirrups 
which form an excellent swing for the little ones. 

No. I , Complete, ready to put np, $5.00 

Our Complete Illustrated Catalogue 

1 ^S^^^ For all Athletic Sports, Uniforms and Gymnasium 

^-^^^ goods, will be mailed Free to any address 

A G. SPALDING & BROS. 

New York Chicago Philadelphia 



^ ^ iit< i>t< lA t iA« »fa »i<t »t< >i< lii^ ^ hV; »t* it^ liKfAx^M^ 0, ^ 



Which 



Catalogue 

Shall We Send You? 




We issue Special Catalogues for the various de- 
partments mentioned below and shell be pleased 
to mail copies free to any address. If a dealer* 
ask for Trade prices. 

Spring and Summer Sports*^ 

Devoted to Base Ball, Tennis, Cricket, Archery, Golf, Uni- 
forms, Athletic Implements, Calisthenic Goods, Boxing Gloves, 
and everything needed for indoor or outdoor sports and pastimes. 
Profusely illustrated. 

The Spalding Bicycke^ 

The models for 1896 of our Spalding and Credenda Bicycles 
are handsomely illustrated in this Cata!" gue. It is replete with 
much other interesting matter. 

Bicycle Sundries*^ 

The biggest and best assortment ever gotten together in one 
Catalogue. Many new and interesting articles for the bicyclist. 

Boatse^ 

A handsoineij- i'histrated Catalogue of the various products of 
the Spalding St. i.awrence Boat Co. of Ogdensburg, _N. Y., form- 
erly at Clayton. Valuable to anyone interested in boats for 
pleasure or profit. 

Hunting EquipmentSe^ 

Coats, Leggings, (iun Cases and Bags — in fact, everything for 
sportsmen's wear and comfort. 1'he goods are made by the well- 
known firm of Geo. Barnard & Co., Brookl^'n and Chicago. We 
market the entire product of their two large factories. 

Gymnasium Apparatuses^ 

Devoted exclusively to Gymnasium Apparatus and Appliances. 
Of interest only to those especially interested in these goods and 
not intended for genei al distribution. We invite correspondence 
relative to Gymnasium Outfitting. 

Pneumatic Boatse^ 

We manufacture the Layman Pneumatic Boat, the most novel 
and original Hunting, Pleasure and Fishing Craft yet invented. 
Safe in all waters. 

A. G. SPALDING & BR05., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 



"The Christy'' 




Price, $5.00- 



YOU will have never appreciated true saddle comfort until 
you have tried the Christy Saddle, and the pleasure oi 
cycling is increased two-fold by its use. 

It is Made of Aluminum, therefore maintains its shape. 
Cannot draw or warp and hurt the rider. 

It has a short horn which does not project through betweer 
the legs, leaving the clothing in proper and comfortable posi- 
tion ; and there is no chafing of the limbs. The pads receive 
the weight of the body, and the open centre protects those 
tender parts that are susceptible to injury. Endorsed and 
recommended by many prominent physicians. 

This saddle has been thoroughly tried, and is already a 
favorite. For lady riders it has no equal. The saddle weighs 
but a pound, and will last the rider a lifetime. 

Our booklet on the Christy Saddle will tell you 
more about it. Free to any address. 

A. Q. Spalding & Bros., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA 




Me BuUb... 

Strictly high grade pleasure, racing or cruising craft of 
all kinds, from a canoe to a sail yacht or steam launch. 

We are the only builders of the GENUINE 

Famous 
St. Lawrence River Skiffs. 

Me JSmlt 

(from the design of Mr. W. 
P. Stephens} the half-raier 

" Etbelwpnn," 

winner of the Seawanhaka- 
Corinthian Yacht Club's In- 
ternational Cup. 
Our One Raters, Half Raters, 
and Sailing Canoes show a 
long winning list for '94 and 
'95 seasons. 

> 

Send for Illustrated 
Catalogue. 

JCPALDINQ ST. LAWRENCE BOAT CO., 

Formerly the St. Lawrence River r\r.r\nMCI^I TDn M V 
. .Skiff, Canoe and Steam Launch Co. ViUUl:ll^r)t3UKU, 1^. Y. 





ennis 



Racket 




FRAME of finest quality white 
ash, handsomely polished, the 
stringing- of the highest quality 
gut and specially made for this 
Racket; throat-piece of rosewood, handle 
cane spliced and cane extendin|^ through 
throat-piece, giving additional strength 
and greatly increasing the resiliency and 
driving power. It is hand-made throughout and 
of the finest workmanship, as indicated by our 
special trade mark of Highest Quality." 

• Price, $8.00 

Illustrated Catalogue of Spring and Summer 
Sports Free to Any Address. 



A. a SPALDING & BROS., 



NEW YORK. 



CHICAGO, 



PHILADELPHIA. 



Champion Jas. J. Corbett... 

USED "^"P — 

"CORBETT" 

(Trade Mark) 

Manufactured 

^nSIBif^'- Boxing Gloves 

...In Ms Fi.Ht with MITCHELL -'m^'^-' 



The REACH Trade Mark is on the Wrist of Every Glove. 

An Exact Duplicate 

of the Gloves used by Corbett 
will be sent upon receipt of price. 

Per Set, $7.50 

If you cannot get them in your city, 

address 

A. J. Reach Co., 

"^"""sueetef""" PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



T^"^ "LADY SPALDING" 

FOR 1896, 




MODEL L. 

FRAME— Double Tube, standard height 19 inches, dropped, of 1%' 
inch tubing, swaged and tapered to one inch at connections. 

FRONT FORK— Tubular throughout, Side Forks of large section, 
re-enforced both ends. No forgings. 

WHEELS— 28 inch Front, 26-inch Rear. 

BEARINGS — Tool Steel cut from bar, tempered, ground and pol- 
ished. Removable Ball Races throughout. 
TIRES— 28 X Ifi-inch front, 26 x l^-inch rear. 
RIMS— Rock Elm, coach finish. 
SPOKES— Straight Tangent, Swaged, Nickeled. 
CRANKS— 6-inch Round Spring Steel. Detachable. 
PEDALS—" Spalding" Rubber. Dust proof. 

HANDLE BAR— Steel Tube of large section, upturned. "Spald- 
ing" Handles with white celluloid tips. 

BRAKE — Direct Plunger, witk Rubber Friction Blocks, readily de- 
tachable. 

SADDLE— Sager, Model XI 2. 

GEAR— 63 inches. 

FITTINGS— Tool Bag, Wrench, Oil Can, Air Pump, Repair Kit and 
Detachable Lamp Bracket. 
GUARDS —Wood, coach finish, laced. 

WEIGHT — With wood rims, rubber pedals, chain guard, dress guard 
and Brake, all on, 26 pounds. 
TREAD— 5K inches. 

OPTIONS— High Frame, height 22 inches. Extreme Upturned, 
Dropped or Adjustable Handle Bars, Rat-trap Pedals, "Spalding'* 
Adjustable Goose Neck Post. Q% or 7-inch Cranks. 26-inch Front 
Wheel. 28-inch Rear Wheel. Gears— With 26-inch Rear Wheel, 55, 
5854, 65, 67, 74. Gears with 28-inch Rear Wheel, 55. 5854, 66>^, 68, 70, 
72, 76. " Si)alding,*' " Hartford," " Dunlop " or " Morgan & Wright" 
Tires. Christy Saddle. 

Note — Brake not furnished with Adjustable Handle Bars. 

THE ""LADY SPALDING," MODEL L, $100. 

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 
New Yqrk. Chicago. Phiuadeuphiai 



..Spalbing's.. 

Dome Xibrar^. 

Published Monthly and Devoted to all Games 
and Pastimes of Interest to the Home Circle. 




Each Number is Fully Illustrated with Diagrams 
Explanatory of the Game. 

No. I. Chess. 

No. 2. Whist. 

No. 3. Dominoes and Dice. 

No. 4. Poker. 

No. 5. Backgammon 

No. 6. Euchre. 

No. 7. Billiards. 

No. 8. Ecarte. 

No. 9. Checkers. 

No. 10. Bezique. 

No. II. Pool. 



PER COPY, 10 CENTS. 



American Sports Publishing Company, 

241 Broadway, New York. 



WRIGHT & DITSON 

. . . riANUFACTURERS OF... 



Our 



This racket is endorsed and used 
by HR. FRED H. HOVEY, 
Champion of the United States, 

and is the one with which he won 
the championship. 



... CHAMPIONSHIP BALL ... 

Adopted by the U. S. National, 
Intercollegiate, Pacific States, 
Southern and Canadian Lawn 
Tennis Associations for 

1896 

The ^^Scars^^ 
Racket* 



Boston, April 1, 1896. 

Messrs. Wright & Ditson, 

Boston, Mass. 

Gentlemen : Your Sears Special Racket has been my stand- 
by for several years. Althou,2:h I have tried all the other makes, 
I have always returned to the Special as the only one which 
affords perfect satisfaction. 

Yours sincerely, 

Fred'k H. Hovey. 



WRIGHT & DITSON'S TENNIS GUIDE. By mail, 

Our goods are for sale by all first-class dealers. 
Catalogue, containing Latest Official Rules, Free. 



15c. 



WRIGHT & DITSON, « Boston, Mass, 



SPALDING'S 

Athletic Library 

No. Published Monthly 

1. Life and Battles of James J. Corbett. 

2. Indian Clubs and Dumb Bells. 

4. How to Become a Boxer. 

5. Gymnastics. [Campbell. 

6. How to Play Lawn Tennis, B^'- Champion 

7. How to Play Base Ball. Just the thing for 

Boys. B}^ Walter Camp. 

9. The Athlete's Guide. How to Run, Sprint, 
Jump, Walk, and Throw Weights. 

12. Association Foot Ball. 

13. Hand Ball. 

14. Curling, Hockey and Polo. 

15. Indoor Base Ball. 

16. Skating. A very practical book. By Champion 

17. Basket Ball. [Geo. D. Phillips. 

18. Fencing. 

20. Cricket Guide. By _Geo_. Wright. 

21. Rowing. By E. J. Giannini, Champion Amateur 
23. Canoeing. By C. Bowyer Vaux. [Oarsman. 
25. Swimming. By Walter G. Douglas. 

icG. How to Play Foot Ball. Walter Camp. 

27. College Athletics. C. Murphy, Yale Trainer. 

23. Exercising with Pulley Weights. By H. S. 
Anderson. 

30. How to Play Lacrosse. W. H. Corbett. 

3,2. Practical Ball Playing. By Arthur A. Irwin. 

35. Intercollegiate A. A. A. A. Guide. 

30. How to Play Golf. Edited by L. B. Stoddart. 

37. All Around Athletics. 

38. Official Croquet Guide. 

39. Lawn Bowls. By Henry Chadwick. 

40. Archery. By James S. Mitchel. 

41. Official Foot Ball Guide for 1895. Edited by 

Walter Camp. Portraits of all prominent play- 
ers. Official Rules. 

42. How to Use the Punching Bag. 

43. Bowling. Latest Rules and Instructions. 

44. Official Roller Polo Guide. 

45. Official Cycle Guide. _ Instructions to Cyclists; 

Portraits of all leading riders; complete list of 

46. Athletic Almanac. J. E. Sullivan. [records. 

47. Official Handbook of the A. A. U. 

48. Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide for 1896. 
50. Spalding's Lawn Tennis Guide for 1896. 

Per copy, 10 cents, postpaid 

American Sports Publishing Co., 

241 Broadway^ New York^ 



SPALDING'S... 

Hlustrated (Catalogue 




Fall and Winter 

SPORTS... 



Published about August First. 

Foot Ball Ice Skates 

Golf and Polo 

ATHLETIC AND GYMNASIUM OUTFITS. 

Sweaters, Hunting Clothing and 
Equipments, and all Accessories 
for Fall and "Winter Wc&t^^J^ 



Handsomely illustrated, and the recognized authority for standard and up-to- 
date goods. Mailed free to any address. 

A* G* Spalding & Bros* 

NEW YORK CHICAGO PHILADELPHIA 




BKYCLC CATALOOUC PQ£E. 



A 5PALDIN0 6-E)I?05- 

CHICAGO- PMILADELPfflA- NEV VORK- 

l*h7eiM9 WAB^AVe-i CHE3TAfUT ^T. 126-130 HA5i3AU5t 



